Permanent representatives of the European Union agreed to changes in the rules for granting long-term resident status, simplifying the procedure for obtaining this status. Currently, third-country nationals must legally and continuously reside in an EU member state for at least five years to obtain long-term resident status.
The change is that now up to two years of residence in another EU member state can be taken into account in this five-year term. However, such residence must also be legal, for example, if the applicant is an EU Blue Card holder.
In order to obtain the status of a long-term resident of the EU, in addition, the applicant must meet a number of conditions, such as the availability of a stable and regular income, health insurance and other requirements determined by the member states.
The status of a long-term resident of the European Union allows its holders to move freely and live in other EU countries, giving them rights similar to citizens in the areas of employment, education and other areas.
Eurostat statistics for 2020 show that the total number of third-country nationals legally residing in the European Union was 23 million or 5.1% of the total EU population. Of these, more than 10 million had the status of long-term or permanent residents.
In addition, last week the Council of the European Union approved a procedure that will allow travelers from outside the Schengen area to apply for a visa online.
